Inkjet Print Head Vertical Positioning for Precision and Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crop processing devices with inkjet print heads face challenges in precision and maintenance due to the need for complex alignment and adjustment of print heads, especially when switching between different ink cartridge sizes, and struggle with handling non-planar print surfaces, leading to blurred imprints.

Innovation Solution

A control method and device configuration that allows for precise vertical and horizontal movement of the inkjet print head, enabling it to be positioned accurately relative to the print medium, with a movement mechanism that includes motorized and manual adjustments, and a cleaning and sealing station designed for easy maintenance and compatibility with different ink cartridge sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a single 1-inch inkjet print head is used, then printing precision and quality are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise vertical movement control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable print head assembly that can be dynamically adjusted in the vertical direction through a drive mechanism. This allows the print head to be positioned at different heights to accommodate various print medium surfaces, thereby maintaining printing precision while managing device complexity through controlled movement rather than fixed complex positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the vertical position parameter of the print head through motorized actuation. By controlling the vertical displacement of the print head assembly, the system achieves precise printing on different surface types without requiring complex mechanical positioning structures, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the print head is made movable in the vertical direction, then adaptability to different print surfaces is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional movement mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different print surfacesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal print head assembly that can handle different print medium types (smooth and non-smooth surfaces) through vertical movement capability. This single movable assembly serves multiple functions by adjusting its position, eliminating the need for multiple specialized printing devices and reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The print head assembly is made dynamically adjustable in the vertical direction through a drive mechanism. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to various print surface geometries without requiring complex fixed positioning structures for each surface type, thereby achieving versatility with manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of moving object

If two ½ inch inkjet print heads are used to print a full imprint, then the printing width is sufficient, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to the need for transverse and longitudinal offset coordination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting widthVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses two ½ inch inkjet print heads arranged side by side to achieve the required 1-inch printing width. Each print head handles a portion of the imprint, and through precise control coordination, they work together to produce a complete, aligned imprint, thus achieving sufficient printing width while maintaining alignment precision through controlled segmentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements control coordination between multiple print heads to ensure proper alignment. By monitoring and adjusting the positioning and timing of each print head, the system maintains precise alignment of the combined imprint, resolving the contradiction between printing width and alignment precision through feedback control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3476608B1Control method for a goods processing apparatus having a ink-jet head and goods processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 FRANCOTYP POSTALIA AG & CO KG
  • EP3476608B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476608B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3476608B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a control method for a workpiece processing device with an inkjet printhead. This includes moving the inkjet printhead in the y-direction of a Cartesian coordinate system to a change position, print position, cleaning position, or sealing position. A drive motor (M1) is controlled to generate a vertical movement of the inkjet printhead. This is in addition to moving the inkjet printhead from a change position or sealing position to at least one other position, in particular a print position or cleaning position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a workpiece processing device as described in the above method. The workpiece processing device is equipped with an inkjet printing device for producing prints.